FBI Team Heading to Cuba to Investigate Deadly Speedboat Incident

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents will travel to Cuba to probe a February incident where Cuban exiles attempted an armed infiltration by speedboat. The confrontation resulted in five deaths and highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba.

Federal investigators will deploy to Cuba to examine a deadly February confrontation involving Cuban exiles who attempted an armed infiltration by speedboat, Cuban officials announced Friday.

The collaborative investigation comes as both nations work to ease mounting tensions, particularly as Washington’s oil embargo continues to deepen Cuba’s economic struggles.

According to Havana authorities, ten Cuban nationals attempted to enter the country illegally on February 25th, carrying an extensive arsenal including nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles, and 11 pistols along with additional equipment. Half of the infiltrators died in the resulting conflict, while the surviving five remain in Cuban detention receiving medical care.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed the cooperative effort during Friday’s press briefing, stating: “There is cooperation with our American counterparts, and we are awaiting a group of FBI experts to continue advancing this investigation.” He noted that coordination between the FBI and Cuba’s Interior Ministry occurred through established diplomatic and consular pathways.

The FBI has not yet provided comment on the arrangement.

U.S. officials have shown interest in obtaining consular access to the survivors, as at least two held dual American-Cuban citizenship while others maintained legal U.S. residency status.

This incident occurred during a particularly strained period in U.S.-Cuban relations, following President Donald Trump’s intensified pressure campaign against the Communist government. The tensions escalated after Trump implemented a comprehensive oil embargo following the January 3rd capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who had been a key Cuban ally.

Cuban authorities characterized the infiltrators as exiles operating from the United States, with some previously linked to terrorist activities. Officials said their mission involved creating disorder and targeting military installations.

The confrontation began when a five-member Cuban border patrol aboard a nine-meter vessel detected the approaching speedboat approximately one nautical mile from a channel along the island’s northern coastline, roughly 100 miles from Marathon, Florida.

Cuban forces report the infiltrators opened fire from 185 meters away, striking the patrol captain in the abdomen. Despite severe bleeding, the wounded captain maintained control of his vessel and directed it toward the attackers, resulting in close-range combat at approximately 20 meters.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that this was not a U.S. government operation and confirmed no American government personnel participated in the incident.